Martinez: To sign Lukaku permanently we MUST qualify for the Champions League

Roberto Martinez believes Everton will need to offer Champions League football if they are to stand any chance of signing Romelu Lukaku permanently.

The Belgium international has made outstanding progress this season since he joined Everton on a season long-loan and his tally of nine goals is better than the combined total of Chelsea’s three strikers Demba Ba, Fernando Torres and Samuel Eto’o.

Everton, according to Martinez, have not asked Chelsea during this window about the possibility of making his switch to Merseyside full-time and there is nothing in the agreement they struck in September that would allow them to do that now.

Impact: Lukaku has made outstanding progress since he joined Everton on a season long-loan, scoring nine goals

As things stand, Martinez expects Lukaku to return to Chelsea at the end of the campaign but with Jose Mourinho is still looking for another top level forward, Everton’s manager believes their prospects of keeping the 20-year-old would be enhanced by a top four finish.

‘We want to keep Rom as long as we can but the reality is he’s on loan for the season,’ said Martinez.

‘Rom is enjoying his football and I don’t think it would be beneficial to anyone to go into a conversation that’s not going to change the agreement we have until May.

Brazil bound: Lukaku is set to lead the line for Belgium at the World Cup

‘Rom is highly regarded at Chelsea, we are talking to them all the time and we need to wait until the end of the season to see how the experience went.

'He’s focused on one thing, which is developing this season, being as good as he can be and trying to take Everton into the Champions League.

Head-to-head: Everton travel to West Brom on Monday night where the Baggies new Spanish boss Pepe Mel (left) will pit his wits against Roberto Martinez (right)

‘That’s always in his head. I’m sure as a club we have a better chance of attracting players like Rom if we are in the Champions League than not. In my eyes we need to get into the Champions League to attract players like him.’

Everton’s hopes of attracting top players will also be aided by the fact they are on the brink of securing Leighton Baines’ on a long-term contract and are also in negotiations to reward the outstanding progress of exciting midfielder Ross Barkley.

‘It doesn’t matter whether they have one year left or four or five, like with Seamus Coleman, Ross Barkley - we always want to rewards those players who do well,’ said Martinez, who wants to sign a striker during this transfer window.

New deals: Ross Barkley (left) and Seamus Coleman (right) have signed extended contracts with Everton

‘Leighton I feel he’s in the best moment of his career.

‘He has a short term contract (18 months remaining) so that (new deal) gives him a bit more tranquillity, so he can focus on his football. We will carry on working behind the scenes to make sure those long term deals are there.

We want to keep him here as long as we can.’

Big change: Roberto Martinez has seen transformation in Leighton Baines

‘What is encouraging is to see someone like Leighton still being hungry to learn and develop.

I’ve seen a big change from Leighton.

I think he’s been different in the way he had to play and behind the scenes he is a big personality and has a massive role in this squad.’